Mondoweiss

Thickening Plot: The Curious Case of Prisoner X

Thickening Plot: The Curious Case of Prisoner X

MONDOWEISS: No wonder Binyamin Netanyahu was so keen to keep a lid on the story behind Ben Zygler. We still have a way to go with the story though

 sarah walton

Affordable Luxury: The Burj’s Classy ‘All You Can Eat’

Affordable Luxury: The Burj’s Classy ‘All You Can Eat’

SARAH WALTON: How to savour the sensory delights of Dubai’s most famous hotel without paying $1,800 for a night. I have a cunning plan.

 Editor, MEP

From Dubai to London – NYE Style

VIDEO: Spectacular fireworks exploded over Sydney in a blaze of light and colour as the city kicked off a wave of global celebrations from Dubai to London.

 The View From Fez

‘Exotic’: Orientalist Cliches Still Used to ‘Sell Morocco’

THE VIEW FROM FEZ: If a family of Moroccans were to find themselves on Bondi Beach they’d find it ‘exotic’. But that’s not a word used to sell Australia

 The View From Fez

Phew! Morocco Avoids Formula One ‘Catastrophe’

THE VIEW FROM FEZ: I’ve watched as Bernie Ecclestone’s F1 ‘circus’ has brought Valencia to its knees. Morocco can count its lucky stars that it will avoid the same fate

 Tabsir

Of Jesus, Smith and Elvis: The Prophet Issue

Of Jesus, Smith and Elvis: The Prophet Issue

‘DANIEL M. VARISCO: It’s a shtick that gets trotted out in editorial conferences at this time of year and occasionally editors buy it. ‘So who’s the real Jesus?’

 James M. Dorsey

Palestinian Footballer Relives Horror of Detention

Palestinian Footballer Relives Horror of Detention

ANDREA LUCHETTA: Mahmoud Al Sarsak’s detention became an international cause celebre. He has recounted his experience in Israeli jail

 James M. Dorsey

Questions Continue to Surround Bin Hamman

Questions Continue to Surround Bin Hamman

JAMES M. DORSEY: The appointment by Qatari and UAE soccer bodies of individuals who worked with Mohammed bin Hamman raises more questions

 James M. Dorsey

FIFA Corruption Probe Set to Examine Qatar Bid

FIFA Corruption Probe Set to Examine Qatar Bid

JAMES M. DORSEY: The recently announced investigation by FIFA into allegations of past corruption will inevitably put Qatar 2022 in the spotlight again.

 Layla

Saudi Salary Racism: What’s the Colour of Your Passport?

Saudi Salary Racism: What’s the Colour of Your Passport?

LAYLAH: Are Saudi employees not seen as efficient or highly trained as the western nurses are and thus not deserving as much pay?

 James M. Dorsey

Jordan: A Model For Sports Governance in Region

Jordan: A Model For Sports Governance in Region

JAMES M. DORSEY: The success of the Jordanian Football Association is causing other sporting bodies to sit up and take notice.

 M.-Lynx-Qualey

Beaten But Unbowed: Syrian Author Writes On

Beaten But Unbowed: Syrian Author Writes On

M. LYNX-QUALEY: His hand was broken by thugs last week but celebrated novelist Khaled Khalifa continues his work

 Shelina Zahra Janmohamed

Role of the Arts in Muslim World ‘Not Understood’

Role of the Arts in Muslim World ‘Not Understood’

SHELINA ZAHRA JANMOHAMED: While arts from the Muslim world are widely celebrated in the West, they are less appreciated within umma.

 Rob L. Wagner

‘My Heart Says Stay, My Head Says Go Home’

‘My Heart Says Stay, My Head Says Go Home’

ROB L. WAGNER: Female students returning to Saudi Arabia from studies abroad are finding they have limited, restrictive options.

 Ramzy Baroud

U.S., China: A Cold War in Warm Waters

U.S., China: A Cold War in Warm Waters

RAMZY BAROUD: Leaders of adjacent countries might find themselves forced to choose sides in a conflict over resources and military presence.

 James M. Dorsey

A Storm Brewing: Bahrain Sheikh Seeks Top AFC Job

A Storm Brewing: Bahrain Sheikh Seeks Top AFC Job

JAMES M. DORSEY: Campaigning is under way for the presidency of the Asian Football Confederation. The position is never far from controversy.

 Tabsir

The Image That ‘Speaks For’ The Arab Spring?

The Image That ‘Speaks For’ The Arab Spring?

DANIEL M. VARISCO: The World Press Photo of the Year has been revealed. Is it the defining image of the ‘Arab Spring’?

 James M. Dorsey

Own Goal: Bahrain National Goalkeeper Imprisoned over Role in Protests

Own Goal: Bahrain National Goalkeeper Imprisoned over Role in Protests

JAMES M. DORSEY: Military court sentences goalkeeper, plus two other sportsmen, despite pledge by the King to move trials to civilian courts.

 Mondoweiss

“I am an Arab Woman of Color and We Come in all Shades of Anger. Beware.”

“I am an Arab Woman of Color and We Come in all Shades of Anger. Beware.”

ANNIE, MONDOWEISS: She is set to become a major star and is a woman of great courage, strength and eloquence. But it’s an eloquence infused with anger.

 Crossroads Arabia

Nuclear Weapons: The Only Route to Success?

Nuclear Weapons: The Only Route to Success?

CROSSROADS ARABIA: A Saudi commentator suggests the only way to gain respect in international relations is via nuclear weapons. Is he right?